The Best Step Stools of 2026

This foldable step stool by Honey-Can-Do made our list as the best overall step stool. It checks off a lot of boxes: it’s lightweight, and it folds for exceptionally easy storage. What’s more, it’s tall enough to help you reach the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet or whatever else you need to check off on your to-do list.

This folding step stool features an anti-slip surface and skid-resistant feet, so this might be a great pick for the littles who need to reach the sink. And, as a nice bonus, it’s made of solid plastic, so it’s durable and easy to clean.

Throughout the testing phase, I noted that this step stool was quite stable; there’s no shakiness to speak of. It opens and closes easily, and while it weighs a mere 3.6 pounds, it has a 300 pound weight capacity. This step stool collapses down to 1.75”, so it’s easy to tuck away. That makes it ideal for small quarters where space is at a premium like apartments, dorms, and even RV’s.

It’s worth noting there are plenty of step stools with a similar design. While those average somewhere around a 7-inch to 9-inch lift, this step stool has a steeper step, at 13 inches high. Plus, the width of the step is 12 inches, so an average size foot (mine is a women’s size 8.5) fits comfortably with minimal adjustments.

While it’s probably not going to be a furniture piece that’s a part of your décor, it’s also worth mentioning that this step stool has a contemporary design, with neutral black and gray coloration, so not an eyesore either.

The one con to speak of may be the higher price point, which, at more than $30, seems a little steep for a plastic stool.

I was a bit surprised at how well the HBTower step stool stacked up among its competitors. My first impression was that it was clunky and wide. But as the testing phase progressed, this one proved to be rather useful.

One of the best selling points for this step stool is the extra-wide pedals. The widest step on this step stool is generously sized at 14.2 inches, and those with an average-sized foot won’t feel like they’re teetering when stepping up. The wide pedals also have a non-slip rubber grip that offers heel-to-toe foot support. Honestly, I was able to climb up and down with nary the thought of feeling unstable or uneasy.

With the highest step coming in at 28 inches from the floor, this step stool provides ample lift for getting into hard-to-reach spaces, and it will likely offer a good assist to see your household projects through to completion.

It’s equipped with a metal buckle that automatically locks into place once you step onto the stool, it has rubber feet that fully contact the floor, keeping you firmly in place, and as an added benefit, they won’t mar your floors.

The HB Tower three-step stool also has a non-slip rubber handgrip, which makes it easy to climb and easy to carry— however, at 12.3 pounds, it’s one of the heaviest models we tested. That’s thanks to the steel frame construction which is a major factor in the 500 pound load capacity, so the weight has a trade-off.

Crafted from aluminum, the Rubbermaid RMA-2-Com step stool is durable yet lightweight. At 5.9 pounds, not only is it great when you need to grab the casserole dish from the top shelf, but it’s also pretty easy to tote around the house and carry up the stairs. Additionally, this step ladder has a slim profile (it folds down to 2.5 inches) for easy storage when not in use.

You’ll also find that this step stool is task-oriented, so to speak. Perfect for any DIY or household project, it features a locking, oversized platform top with a built-in space to store tools, hardware, or any other supplies, and it also has a handy flip hook feature, where you can hang buckets of paint or cleaning solution. Additionally, the 19-inch elevation will certainly get you into the far reaches, and it has a 225 pound weight limit.

It’s important to mention here that while the top step is wide, the lower rung is quite narrow. Far too narrow, in fact, to feel comfy on the climb. That said, the non-slip feet are generously sized to keep the step stool in place, and they won’t mar your floors if you drag the step stool around.